Paneer Tikka Masala

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Paneer Tikka Masala is a crowd-pleasing dish, combining the soft texture of paneer with the bold, spicy, and creamy sauce. The marinade infuses the paneer with rich flavors, and when paired with the silky tomato-based gravy, the result is a mouthwatering dish. This recipe is perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to enjoy an Indian classic without sacrificing taste. It’s easy to make and perfect for special occasions or a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1/2 pound paneer, sliced into 2-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons tikka masala paste (divided)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 curry leaves
• 1/2 large brown onion, chopped
• 1/2 small chili, seeded and chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 6 ounces diced tomatoes, canned
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Marinate the Paneer: In a bowl, combine the paneer cubes with 1 tablespoon of tikka masala paste and the plain yogurt. Mix well to coat the paneer, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Cook the Paneer: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated paneer cubes in batches and sear them until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove the paneer from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the curry leaves, chopped onion, and chopped chili. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the onion is soft and golden.
4. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of tikka masala paste, then cook for 1 minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the pan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-12 minutes, until it thickens slightly and the flavors come together.
6. Finish the Dish: Add the seared paneer cubes back into the pan, gently stirring to coat the paneer in the sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the sauce.
7. Add Lemon Juice: Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
8. Serve: Serve the Paneer Tikka Masala hot with steamed rice, naan, or paratha for a complete meal.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili or add some red chili powder along with the tikka masala paste.
• Vegetables: Add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Tofu: If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative to paneer, you can substitute tofu for the paneer for a similar texture.
• Coconut Milk: For a slightly different flavor profile, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
• Cashew Cream: For a richer sauce, add some cashew cream or blend soaked cashews with water to create a creamy consistency.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Paneer Tikka Masala can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.

FAQs

1. Can I make Paneer Tikka Masala without tikka masala paste?

Yes, you can make your own tikka masala paste by combining spices like garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder, along with some yogurt and garlic. Alternatively, you can use store-bought curry paste as a substitute.

2. Can I use store-bought paneer?

Yes, store-bought paneer works perfectly fine in this recipe. Just ensure it is firm and cut into cubes for the best texture.

3. Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute the paneer with tofu and replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan version of this dish.

4. Can I adjust the spiciness?

Yes, you can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili and tikka masala paste used. For a milder version, reduce the chili or omit it altogether.

5. What can I serve with Paneer Tikka Masala?

Paneer Tikka Masala pairs wonderfully with basmati rice, naan, roti, or paratha. You can also serve it with a simple salad or raita to balance the heat.

6. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor. Simply cook them along with the onions.

7. How do I make the sauce creamier?

To make the sauce creamier, you can add more heavy cream or substitute the cream with cashew cream or coconut milk for a rich texture.

8. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Store in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

9. How do I make the paneer crispy?

For crispy paneer, you can either pan-fry the cubes before adding them to the sauce or bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes to get a golden crust.

10. Can I use fresh curry leaves instead of dried?

Yes, fresh curry leaves are preferred, but dried curry leaves can also be used if fresh ones are unavailable. They add a distinct aroma and flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

Paneer Tikka Masala is a flavorful and creamy dish that’s both satisfying and comforting. The combination of tender paneer and a spiced, creamy tomato sauce makes this dish a perfect addition to your Indian recipe collection. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and always delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, Paneer Tikka Masala will surely impress everyone at the table.

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